Olivia Lambert, Age 2
CHICAGO (February 24, 2006) – At age 2, Olivia Lambert is already a beauty pageant veteran. She's competed in dozens of pageants so far, and has won numerous titles.
But things weren't always picture perfect. At only 22 months of age, her mother Amy noticed something different about Olivia's eyes.
"I noticed that one of her eyes was turning outward," said Amy. "Being a new mom, I never even thought of a young child needing glasses."
Amy immediately took Olivia to an ophthalmologist who confirmed her suspicions. There was definitely a problem, and Olivia was diagnosed with strabismus.
Strabismus is a condition where a child's eyes do not line up straight. It results when the eyes muscles do not work together. When this happens, the brain can begin to ignore the visual information from one eye, causing it to develop poorly. Half of all strabismus sufferers are born with the condition, while others may develop it after an illness or accident.
Olivia is one of every 50 children in the United States that has strabismus. If not detected and treated early, it can develop into lazy eye, (amblyopia). Fortunately for Olivia, her mother's diligence paid off and she now has a great prognosis for recovery.
"When we were searching for information on children's eye problems, so many of our questions were answered by PBA," added Amy. "We decided to donate to the organization because I have seen how much it has to offer to families."
Find out more about strabismus at the Prevent Blindness America Vision Learning Center.
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, Prevent Blindness America is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in the United States. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.
Copyright © 2006 Prevent Blindness America ®
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